On 14 August 2024, Asian Family Services hosted a groundbreaking event that marks a new chapter in addressing the mental health needs of Asian New Zealanders. We are proud to share the outcomes of this landmark summit with you.
Our Vision Realised
For years, Asian Family Services has worked tirelessly to highlight the specific mental health challenges faced by Asian New Zealanders. The Flourishing Futures summit was the culmination of these efforts - a platform where our community's voices were not just heard, but amplified and respected.
Over 150 leaders from across New Zealand's health sector, government, and Asian communities came together, making this a pivotal moment in addressing the unique mental health needs of our Asian population.
Our thanks to everyone involved in bringing this event to life. We hope to host the summit annually going forward. Particular thanks to the Honourable Matt Doocey and the Honourable Melissa Lee, Dr Roshini Peiris-Johns and our co-hosts Nancy Lu MP and Kelly Feng NZNM.
Key Moments
The day was filled with powerful insights and commitments from community leaders, health leaders and politicians:
- Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, emphasised the urgent need for tailored, local solutions, acknowledging that mainstream services have often fallen short for our communities.
- Dr Roshini Peiris-John's keynote address shed light on the complex intersections of identity, migration, and mental health for Asian New Zealanders.
- Hon Melissa Lee launched a groundbreaking mental wellbeing resource specifically designed by AFS for our communities.
- Our panel discussions brought to life the lived experiences of Asian New Zealanders, highlighting both challenges and resilience.
- We proudly launched our new Kia Ora Ake service, designed to support Asian youth and families.
A Turning Point
This summit was more than just a day of discussions - it was a turning point. We look forward to:
- Increased funding for Asian mental health initiatives
- Greater representation of Asian professionals in the mental health workforce
- Development of more culturally appropriate services and resources
- Strengthened partnerships between government, health providers, and our communities
- Prioritised research into Asian mental health needs in New Zealand
The Road Ahead
While we celebrate this milestone, we know our work is far from over. Asian Family Services remains committed to:
- Advocating tirelessly for increased resources
- Expanding our culturally appropriate mental health programmes
- Fostering ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders
- Ensuring the momentum from this summit translates into real, lasting change
Your Involvement Matters
We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you're a community member, a health professional, or a policymaker, your voice and involvement are crucial.
To delve deeper into the discussions and insights from the summit, watch our video series:
- Opening and inviting conversation: Hon Matt Doocey
- Keynote: Aotearoa’s Asian Community: Mental Health, Demographic Shifts, and Intersectionality Associate Professor Roshini Peiris-John
- Panel Discussion: Asian Lived Experience - Telling our story. Moderated by Ivan Yeo (He/Him). Panellists: Romy Lee, Angela Hann, Nicole Altura-Gutierrez and Chung-Lai Tsang
- Asian resilience mental wellbeing resource launch: Hon Melissa Lee
- Panel discussion: Asian Mental Health Landscape (challenges and opportunities). Moderated by Kelly Feng. Panellists: Debbie Chin, Dr Carlos Lam Yang, Dr Gary Cheung, Dr Suneela Mehta and Vishal Rishi
- Kia Ora Ake service launch: Kelly Feng MNZM
- Panel discussion: Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Moderated by Nancy Lu (MP, MPA, CA). Panellists: Karen Orsborn, Sue Dashfield, Ian McKenzie, and Anna McNaughton
- Closing remarks Hon Matt Doocey
- Thank you and next steps: Kelly Feng
Together, we are building a mental health system that truly serves all New Zealanders. Thank you for your support and commitment to this vital cause.
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